Actor Satendra Soni files FIR against filmmaker over alleged assault
What's the story
Actor Satendra Soni, best known for Laapataa Ladies, has filed a Zero FIR against filmmaker Pushpendra Singh and his wife, actor Pragati Chauhan. The allegations include non-payment of dues, assault, intimidation, and wrongful confinement during the shooting of their film Paid Paalki. Soni also claims that the couple promised him a role but failed to honor their financial commitments while subjecting him to harassment over his appearance and dwarfism. Soni had first raised the issue in June on Instagram.
Details
Soni filed the complaint under various IPC sections
The Zero FIR was filed on Thursday under various sections, including voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
In his complaint, Soni described himself as a struggling actor for whom acting is his only source of income. He also mentioned having dwarfism.
The actor alleged that there was no vanity van for the actors initially, and when one was finally arranged, it had to be shared by the entire cast.
Additional allegations
Soni on his mental health struggles on set
As concerns over pending payments began to surface among the unit members, Soni approached Raja Chaudhary, an assistant director on the project.
However, he was told that finances were not Chaudhary's department.
The actor, also known for Mirzapur and Doctor G, further alleged that locals would pick him up and take pictures with him without consent, further adding to his distress.
Health concerns
'I was ridiculed for my appearance and dwarfism'
Soni alleged that when he objected to the behavior, which was affecting his mental health, his concerns were ignored.
He further alleged that Chaudhary discussed the matter with Chauhan, who then abused him and refused to clear his pending payment.
"She called me a dwarf, abused me, and refused to make my payment," the actor claimed.
The situation eventually triggered a panic attack, but nobody came to help him as there were "no medical facilities available on set."
Assault claims
Chauhan allegedly threatened to implicate him in false legal cases
Soni alleged that the couple assaulted him and Shridhar Dubey, the film's lead actor, when they decided to leave the project.
He also claimed that Singh threatened to die by suicide and write their names in his suicide note.
Chauhan allegedly threatened to implicate them in false legal cases.
The actors eventually called the police, who asked both sides to resolve the dispute.
The actors requested that their dues be cleared before resuming shooting, but no such settlements happened.